news Version 0.8.4.0 Released (27th May 2026) - v0.8.4 Community Hotfix: backup, update, Web Console, and firewall fixes.
Cloning a Server (AASM v0.8.3) | ARK Ascended Server Manager

Cloning a Server

Duplicate a configured server for a new map or cluster member

Cloning is the fastest way to add another server to a cluster. AASM copies the source server's entire configuration (mods, settings, ini overrides, schedules) and the install files to a new folder, then auto-increments the ports so it doesn't collide.

Prerequisites:

  • A working source server already configured the way you want the new one to be.
  • Free disk space (~20-30 GB depending on installed mods).

Step 1 - Right-click the source server

On the Dashboard, right-click the server card you want to clone. A context menu appears with Clone Server as an option (or use the menu (...) icon on the card if right-click is disabled in your environment).

Step 2 - Pick a new name and install path

The Clone Dialog asks for:

  • New server name - must be unique within AASM.
  • Install path - either a sibling folder (default: <parent of source>\<new name>) or a custom path.

Ports, RCON port, query port are auto-suggested as the source's ports + 10/5/5 to avoid collision. You can override.

Step 3 - Confirm and wait

AASM copies the source's install files (this takes 1-5 minutes depending on disk speed + mod count), writes a new servers.json entry, and creates the new server's settings + schedule files mirroring the source.

Step 4 - What does NOT get copied

  • Player save files (SavedArks/) - the new server starts fresh.
  • Cluster ID / Cluster Directory references - left blank so you choose explicitly.
  • RCON password - regenerated (best practice; you can copy back if you really want the same).
  • Settings Snapshot history - the new server starts with no snapshots.

v0.8.2 fix relevant here: Snapshot cross-server restore now strips session name, RCON port, passwords, multihome, cluster fields (BUG-SnapshotCrossServerLeak) so even if you accidentally restore a snapshot from the source onto the clone, the identity-sensitive bits stay correct.

Step 5 - Change map and customize

The clone has the source's map by default. To use a different map (e.g. clone an Island server to make a Scorched server), change it via the new server's Settings tab. See Choosing and Changing Maps.

Once you've set a map and the cluster fields you want, start the new server.

Cloning a Server - done

You've added a new server with the same mods + settings as the original, in a few clicks instead of half an hour of duplicate configuration.

Related Guides

Move a Server

Relocate an existing server install.

View Guide
Choose a Map

Switch the clone to a different map.

View Guide
Cluster Setup

Bind the clone into a cluster with the source.

View Guide